The Lean Startup methodology is an approach to building new businesses rooted in the belief that entrepreneurs must investigate, experiment, test, and iterate as they develop products. Unlike traditional startup approaches, lean startups move quickly, iterate often and continuously solicit feedback from their customers.

Lean Startup Practices is a 6-week course exploring the topics that define lean startups and pulling knowledge from startup experts such as Eric Ries, Peter Thiel, Aaron Levie, and Reid Hoffman. The class will cover topics including, how to come up with ideas, how to get users/customers and grow, how to execute on sales and marketing, how to hire, how to raise money, how to build company culture, manage operations and more. All of these topic areas will rely on a build-measure-learn approach to make sure you find effective solutions quickly and inexpensively.

Lean Startup is a mindset and a methodology that is used across industries, sectors, and professions to solve problems and understand your customers. We welcome people from all backgrounds and encourage an open and engaged mindset!

Class Format

The course is offered in both an instructor-led format and online. All course participants will have access to online resources pulled from Stanford, MIT, and Y Combinator. Instructor-led participants will be given weekly assignments that can be accessed through the online materials. The instructor-led class will convene Wednesday evenings to review and discuss the materials, illustrated with case studies and personal experiences.

Schedule

The instructor-led course is 6 weeks in duration. The sessions in Davidson are on Wednesday nights from 6:30 -8:30 PM. Online classes can be accessed and completed at any time.

Fall Semester Class

The Fall 2019 instructor-led session will begin on October 2nd, 2019 and end on November 6, 2019.

Spring Semester Class

The Spring 2020 instructor-led session will begin on January 29, 2020, and end on March 11, 2020. There will be no class on March 4th.

Location

Instructor

Rebecca Weeks WatsonDavidson

Rebecca Weeks Watson is an entrepreneur with 17 years of experience in Silicon Valley. After starting her career in finance and then consulting for Match.com, she pursued her interest in the startup world. She was on the founding team for two companies, one of which was acquired by Meredith Corporation. Most recently Rebecca founded a groundbreaking interview series called The Reveal that uncovers the stories of world-class leaders.

Instructor Led Enrollment

The instructor led course consists of 10 instructor led sessions and includes online access. The student plan requires registration with a “.edu” email address. Pick your plan and enroll using the buttons below.

Online Only Enrollment

The online only course consists online only access to the course lessons, videos, and materials. The student plan requires registration with a “.edu” email address. Pick your plan and enroll using the buttons below.